Gujarat government to provide free medical treatment to cattle

With an aim to boost the cattle rearing sector in Gujarat, Chief Minister Anandi Patel on Sunday launched a scheme wherein the state government would provide free medical treatment to cattle.

"Under the scheme, the government would provide free medical treatment to cattle. We will bear all expanses related to the treatment, including expenses for surgery as well medicines," Patel said while launching the scheme in Gandhinagar.

She made the announcement while inaugurating a seminar 'One Health', organised by Gujarat Veterinary Council. 

On the occasion, the chief minister also dedicated 17 mobile diagnosis laboratories for the purpose. These mobile vans are given to 17 different districts and would provide diagnosis to ailing animals at the doorstep of cattle-rearer, said an official press release.

Patel was accompanied by state Agriculture Minister Babu Bokhiria and Union Minister of State for Agriculture Mohan Kundariya among others.

In his speech, Kundariya lauded the contribution of veterinary doctors, saying that they deserve more respect than other doctors. "Veterinary doctors not only serve cattle but also the cattle-rearer. Due to the efforts of Gujarat as well as Central government, per capita milk production has risen from mere 82 grams in 1951 to almost 375 grams today," he added.